A peaceful protest at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday turned chaotic when police fired tear gas at demonstrators demanding reforms to the Electoral Act, leaving renowned clergyman Prophet Isa El‑Buba among those affected. The protest was part of a broader public outcry against recent changes to the electoral law, particularly the retention of manual collation alongside electronic transmission of results — a provision critics say weakens transparency in future elections.
Prophet El‑Buba, the General Overseer of Evangelical Outreach Ministries International based in Jos, Plateau State, was visibly distressed after security operatives deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. In a video he shared on social media, he described the experience as shocking and questioned why peaceful citizens advocating for electoral reforms were met with force. He contrasted his treatment in Abuja with his reception abroad when engaging with lawmakers in the United States.
The demonstration had drawn youths, civil society actors, and pro‑democracy advocates who have for days pressed the National Assembly to explicitly mandate real‑time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections. They argue that removing ambiguity over electronic reporting could reduce opportunities for result manipulation.
Security sources say tear gas was used after some protesters attempted to force entry into the legislative complex, prompting a heavier police response to maintain order. Several participants, including women, reportedly fled as the gas spread, and at least one person fainted.
